1. 1 Tick Talk Lessons on Preventing Lyme Disease for Elementary School Students Massachusetts Department of Public Health August 2005

2. 2 What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is caused by a germ The germ can make people and pets sick

3. 3 The germ lives inside the stomach of a deer tick

4. 4 What do ticks look like? Larvae have 6 legs, and nymphs and adults have 8 legs! There are many different kinds of ticks, and they can be found at different stages of growth. Deer Ticks adult

5. 5 How do ticks get the germ? Ticks get the germ by biting and feeding on an animal that has Lyme disease such as a: Mouse Bird Other small animal

6. 6 Ticks can pass the germ on to other animals

7. 7 Ticks can also pass the germ on to people and pets, making them sick

8. 8 A Tick’s Life Tick Eggs Larva Nymph (this one has just eaten, so it’s big) Adult

9. 9 Where are ticks found? Woods Grass Shrubs Piles of leaves and brush A tick on a blade of grass waiting to grab onto someone!

10. 10 How Do People Get Bitten by Ticks? Ticks do not fly or jump. Ticks grab onto people (or clothes) when they walk through a grassy or wooded area. A tick will then crawl to a feeding spot on the person’s skin.

11. 11 Usually, a tick must bite and stay attached to your skin for at least one day (24 hours) before it can give you Lyme disease.

12. 12 What are the signs of Lyme disease? Swollen joints Sometimes it can be very bad Rash May look like a “bull’s eye” or a “target” Sore muscles Very tired

13. 13 Treating Lyme Disease Your doctor will give you medicine if necessary.

14. 14 How can you protect yourself from ticks? Wear long pants tucked into your socks to keep ticks off you. When hiking or walking in grassy areas: Wear long-sleeved shirts and, light colored clothes to make it easier to spot ticks.

15. 15 What if you find a tick on you? Tell a grown-up Carefully remove ticks with a pair of fine point tweezers. Wash the bite with soap and water. Do not use gasoline or a match. Do not use Vaseline.

16. 16 Protect yourself from ticks. Check for ticks on your body every day. Ask a grown-up to help you. When you have been outside…

17. 17 Prevent Lyme Disease Make your yard safer—create a dry path between woods and your yard. Check for ticks daily Avoid tick areas Cover up with light colored clothing + tuck pants in socks! Before After Use bug spray

18. 18 Pets can get Lyme Disease, too. Check your pet for ticks after it has been outside. There are collars, sprays, powders, and other treatments to stop ticks from biting your pet. Ask your veterinarian for advice on protecting your pet from tick bites.

19. 19 Keep your yard safe from ticks. Keep grass cut short Remove leaf piles and brush Use deer fencing

20. 20 Remember, You can prevent Lyme Disease by Keeping Ticks off your Body!